If you’ve been injured on the job in Cicero, you’re not alone.
At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, we represent injured workers in the Chicago area and surrounding communities. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers are ready to help you navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation laws in Illinois and maximize the benefits you deserve.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that is overseen by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. This means that an injured worker can receive benefits, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Its primary aim is to cover medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job.
What Are Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Illinois workers’ compensation benefits cover medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for permanent injuries, according to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission
They can also provide disability benefits (permanent partial disability, temporary total disability and others), vocational retraining or rehabilitation, and survivor benefits if a worker dies from a work-related injury or illness.
These various financial compensation benefits aim to alleviate the burden caused by workplace injuries and ensure that workers receive proper care and support during their recovery.
Why Can Workers’ Comp Claims be Denied?
Workers’ compensation claims can be denied for several reasons. These may include the failure to report the injury in a timely manner, the absence of witnesses, or discrepancies between medical records and your account of the accident.
Employers or their workers compensation insurance companies may also dispute the severity of the injury or claim it was not work-related. This is why it’s crucial to seek legal help immediately following a workplace injury in Chicago, IL or across Illinois to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the maximum compensation to which you are legally entitled.
Common Types of Workplace Accidents in Cicero
Workplace accidents in Cicero commonly fall into five main categories:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: These occur when a worker trips or slips on wet, uneven or obstructed surfaces, leading to potential injuries.
- Falling Object Accidents: Workers could be injured by objects falling from shelves or during lifting or moving processes.
- Machine Entanglement: In industrial settings, workers can get caught in heavy machinery, often leading to severe injuries.
- Vehicle Accidents: These encompass incidents involving forklifts, trucks, or other work-related vehicles.
- Overexertion Injuries: These result from strenuous activities like heavy lifting, carrying, or throwing, causing strain injuries.
The Fatal Four Accidents in Construction
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the “Fatal Four” in construction are Falls, Struck by Object, Electrocutions, and Caught-in/between. These accidents were responsible for 65% of 6,900 construction deaths in an eleven-year period from 2011 – 2021.
Wrongful Death Claims in Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation covers wrongful death claims when an injured workers die due to a work-related accident or illness.
Surviving family members may be eligible for death benefits, which can include medical bills, funeral costs, and loss of future earnings. A knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney can determine specifics of what can be claimed under workers’ compensation law in Illinois.
Common Injuries from Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents can result in a myriad of injuries, causing significant physical and emotional distress. Back and Neck Injuries often occur from heavy lifting, repetitive stress injuries or slip and fall accidents, potentially leading to long-term disability. Fractures and Breaks are commonly seen in falls or vehicle-related accidents. Repetitive Strain Injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, are frequent in jobs requiring repetitive motion. Traumatic Brain Injuries are severe outcomes of accidents involving falling objects or high falls.
What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Cicero
After a workplace accident in Cicero, Illinois, report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. According to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, you have 45 days to report an accident to your employer. Delay beyond this period can result in denial of benefits.
Also, remember that the sooner you report a work injury, the easier it is to establish a direct link between your job and the injury, which is crucial for your claim. Always report in writing and keep a copy for your records, to help ensure your rights are protected.
Once you’ve reported the accident, seek medical attention immediately, regardless of the severity of your injuries.
Document all medical care, maintain a detailed record of your symptoms, and adhere to all prescribed treatments. Inform the medical staff that your injuries are work-related.
Contact our experienced workers’ compensation and personal injury lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers to ensure your rights are fully protected and to guide you through the legal process.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Workers’ Comp Claim?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended to hire a lawyer for your workers’ compensation claim.
Experienced Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers will advocate for you, dealing with the insurance company to protect your best interests.
They’ll make certain all your medical expenses linked to the accident are covered and your benefits do not stop unexpectedly.
Lawyers experienced in workers’ compensation claims are skilled at overcoming obstacles that could slow down the settlement process, offering valuable support throughout your claim. Their proficiency in handling your workers compensation case can greatly enhance your likelihood of obtaining the maximum compensation you deserve.
Why Should I Consult a Lawyer Before the Insurance Company Makes an Offer?
Consulting a lawyer before accepting any insurance offer is essential to ensure you’re not settling for less than you’re entitled to. A lawyer provides invaluable counsel tailored to your unique situation.
Holding Negligent Third-Parties Accountable
A third-party lawsuit, separate from a workers’ compensation no-fault claim, is a legal action taken against a negligent entity other than the employer, implicated in a workplace accident.
This third party can be held liable for damages such as pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills, which are not covered by workers’ comp. Pursuing a third-party lawsuit thus provides the injured employee the only avenue for recovering these additional damages.
Experienced workers’ compensation attorneys evaluate their clients’ cases to determine whether a third-party lawsuit is warranted.
What Is My Case Worth?
Cicero workers’ compensation lawyers consider several factors when evaluating workers’ compensation cases.
These include the severity of the injury, the extent of the medical treatment required, the potential for future medical expenses, lost income, and ability to work in the future.
A Cicero workers’ compensation lawyer also considers any permanent disabilities or physical impairments of injury victims resulting from the accident and the degree to which the injury impacts the victim’s quality of life.
Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers
Contacting The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers is the first step towards securing justice in your workers’ compensation claim in Cicero or across Cook County.
Call for a Free Consultation.
Our team of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys offers a free initial consultation to assess your case, answer your questions, and outline the legal avenues available to you.
Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis which means you don’t pay any legal fees until we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. This ensures you can access high-quality legal representation without worrying about upfront costs.
Reach out now for a no-obligation free consultation and let us take the burden off your shoulders.
(312) 223-1700